July, 2014

Water activities can be a great way to escape the heat, but safety is also important. Following simple rules for the water can allow you and your family to have a fun and safe summer.

Teaching children the fundamentals of swimming allows them to acquire the skills and knowledge of water safety. Therefore, enroll your family in age-appropriate swim lessons, such as Red Cross water orientation or learn-to-swim courses.

Establish rules for your family. At public pools, children should always swim with others and check if there is a lifeguard on duty. They should also ask permission to go near water and wear life jackets to stay safe. Life jackets are especially important to wear while on a boat.

If you own a pool, ensure that barriers enclose the entire pool area with gates that can prevent a young child from entering the pool unattended. Remove access ladders when the above-ground pool is not in use. Always stay within arm’s reach of young children and avoid distractions when supervising children around water—seconds count in preventing death or disability.

If you own a home pool or hot tub, have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit.

Although they may seem harmless, insects can cause pain, harm and discomfort. Follow simple bug safety rules to help avoid irritating bites and stings.

Reduce the use of perfumes, hair sprays and scented soaps. Avoid areas where insects nest or congregate, such as gardens and stagnant pools of water. You should also avoid wearing clothing with bright colors or flowery prints that could potentially attract an unwanted insect. In the evenings, cover your skin with long sleeved shirts, pants and socks to prevent mosquito bites.

Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours; however, insect repellent does not need to be reapplied. Therefore, avoid combining sunscreen and insect repellent.

Mosquitoes can transmit West Nile Virus and ticks can carry Lyme Disease. Thus, using insect repellents containing DEET helps prevent insect-related diseases. DEET should not be used on children younger than 2 months old. The concentration of DEET varies significantly, so read the label and choose the lowest concentration that will provide the required length of coverage.

Shower and check for ticks as soon as possible after coming indoors. Ticks can be easily removed with a pair of tweezers. If you’ve been stung by an insect, gently remove the visible stinger from your skin by scraping it with a credit card or your fingernail.

Consult a doctor if you develop a rash, fever, body aches, headache, stiff neck, fatigue or disorientation 1-3 weeks following a bite.

Sweat to the Beat of African Drums is returning to the SOMC LIFE Center Saturday, July 12 from 5:00-6:30pm.

Learn how to drum the rhythms of South Africa and get a dance-fit workout in, all in the same class. The cost of the session will be $10, and it will be open to the public for ages 14 and up. Non-members between the ages 14-18 will be required to be signed in by a parent or guardian.

For more information about the SOMC LIFE Center, visit www.somc.org/life.

Parents looking for a unique way to keep their children active, healthy and occupied this summer are encouraged to sign up for Camp LIFE at SOMC.

“Camp LIFE is a fun opportunity for kids to make new friends, get fit, and learn skills that will help them stay healthy long after camp is over,” Brad Zieber, supervisor of PT, PEC and Special Projects at the SOMC LIFE Center, said.

The program is open to children ages 7 to 13. The next session of the camp will take place July 7-11, with drop-off at 8:45 a.m. and activities lasting from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day at the SOMC LIFE Center. Off-site educational opportunities are also scheduled.

“During camp, we teach children the basic principles of nutrition and exercise through cooking and physical activities that keep them entertained,” Zieber said. “We prepare lunch and snacks together, play healthy games, and stress the importance of fitness through daily walks, swimming and other sports. We’ve designed Camp LIFE in a way that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of physical condition or ability. Our goal is to lay the foundation for healthy living in a fun, supportive environment.”

Cost to participate is $85 per child. For more information or to register, please call 740-356-7650.

The SOMC Development Foundation is hosting Tropical Casino Night on July 26 at the SOMC Friends Center.

With the attire as business casual, guests will be able to relax and enjoy the evening starting with social hour beginning at 7:30pm. Gaming is from 8:00pm to 11:00pm and winners will be announced from 11:00pm to 11:30pm.

Proceeds from Tropical Casino Night will benefit the SOMC Nursery Project and the SOMC Development Foundation.

“We’re here to make a difference in our community,” Kara Redoutey, Director of Development, said. “Tropical Casino Night is a wonderful opportunity for individuals to have a great time while contributing to a good cause.”

The SOMC Development Foundation encompasses fundraising efforts for Hospice, Cancer, Employee Relief, Heart & Vascular, Pediatrics, Community Health and Wellness, the Endowment Fund and the areas of greatest need. These funds enable SOMC to continually deliver extraordinary care for future generations to come.

There are two sponsorship levels, Diamond and Pearl, which provide the sponsor with a variety of benefits. For $1,000, Diamond sponsors will receive 10 tickets, 2 pitchers of margaritas, $25,000 in funny money per person, recognition at a gaming table and recognition at the event. For a $500 contribution, Pearl sponsors receive 4 tickets, $25,000 in funny money per person and recognition at a gaming table. Individual tickets are available for $50 and guests will receive $25,000 in funny money.

Please make checks payable to: SOMC Development Foundation. For more information about SOMC Development Foundation, visit somc.org/development.